Jack Grealish reflects on ‘the most difficult year’ of his life despite birth of his first daughter with girlfriend Sasha, as he admits to problems ‘on and off pitch’ after being dropped at Man City

Jack Grealish has opened up about the challenges he faced in 2024, calling it “the most difficult year” of his life. The former Aston Villa captain, who joined Manchester City in 2021 for a then-record transfer fee of £100 million, reflected on his struggles both on and off the pitch. Despite winning a third Premier League title with City in 2024, Grealish admitted that he found it tough to adjust to his role in the team, often being used as a substitute or a bit-part player by manager Pep Guardiola.

Grealish’s personal life also took a significant turn in 2024 when he became a father for the first time. His partner, Sasha Attwood, gave birth to their daughter, Mila Rose, in October. While this brought immense joy to Grealish, it also added to the pressures he was already facing professionally. In his comments, he acknowledged the mix of emotions that came with both the joy of becoming a father and the difficulties he encountered in his football career.

The year had its highs and lows for Grealish, with his limited playing time being one of the most challenging aspects. Despite the team’s success, Grealish found himself spending much of the 2024 season on the bench, which was a frustrating experience for a player of his caliber. He started only 10 league games in a record-breaking campaign for City, which saw them secure a fourth consecutive Premier League title. This lack of playing time also meant that he was left out of Gareth Southgate’s England squad for Euro 2024, further adding to his disappointment.

Grealish’s struggles on the pitch were compounded by the competition for places at Manchester City. With an abundance of world-class players in every position, Guardiola had a wealth of options at his disposal. Grealish, known for his dribbling and creativity, found it difficult to assert himself in a squad filled with stars like Kevin De Bruyne, Erling Haaland, and Bernardo Silva. This lack of consistent involvement in the starting XI affected his confidence and rhythm, making it harder for him to showcase his best form.

However, Grealish remained determined to turn things around. Speaking after a 2-1 win over Leyton Orient in the FA Cup, he acknowledged that the previous year had been tough but expressed hope for the future. “Last year, the whole year itself, it was weird because my little daughter was born, but apart from that it was one of the most difficult years – probably the most difficult year of my life for many reasons, on and off the pitch,” Grealish said. “I found it really difficult. But it’s a new year, a sort of fresh start, and hopefully I can kick on from here.”

Despite his struggles, Grealish continued to show his quality when given the opportunity. In recent games, including the match against Palace, Salford, and Orient, he focused on being more involved in the goals and assists, aiming to contribute more directly to City’s success. He expressed his desire to play more regularly, noting that he performed at his best when he was able to build up a rhythm, as he had done in previous seasons. “I want to start playing more often and have that rhythm – the way I was a couple of years ago when I was playing a lot of games in a row,” he explained. “I do find it difficult at times to come in and out of games, not really playing. Hopefully I can keep training well and playing a few more games.”

The year 2024 was particularly frustrating for Grealish, as his limited playing time in the league meant that his contributions were often relegated to cup competitions. The team’s focus had shifted to the Champions League and domestic cup tournaments, with City sitting 15 points behind the Premier League leaders. Grealish, who had always prided himself on being a key player for both club and country, was finding it challenging to maintain his place in a star-studded squad.

City’s upcoming clash with Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League was one of the most anticipated fixtures of the season. Both City and Madrid had finished outside the top eight in the group stage and would now have to battle it out for a place in the round of 16. Grealish, who had played an important role in City’s European campaigns in the past, was determined to contribute to the team’s efforts in the knockout stages. “That’s the beauty of this world that we live in – we are going from Leyton Orient on Saturday to Real Madrid on Tuesday,” he said, highlighting the contrast between the FA Cup tie and the upcoming European challenge.

Reflecting on the tough encounter against Leyton Orient, where City had to fight back after being 1-0 down at halftime, Grealish gave credit to the opposition. “A lot of credit has to go to Orient – they were outstanding,” he said. “The fans were brilliant, their keeper was brilliant and I love playing at grounds like this. I have come up through the ranks and it does bring me back to my childhood.” His comments showed a sense of appreciation for the challenge posed by lower-league teams, and his humble attitude was evident as he acknowledged the efforts of Leyton Orient.

Off the pitch, Grealish was adjusting to life as a new father. Becoming a parent was a life-changing experience for the midfielder, and he often shared glimpses of his life with his daughter Mila Rose on social media. His bond with partner Sasha Attwood also seemed to grow stronger, as they navigated the challenges of parenthood together. Despite the pressures of being a professional footballer, Grealish seemed to relish his new role as a father and often spoke about how Mila Rose had brought joy into his life.

However, balancing the demands of his career with family life was no easy feat. The rigorous schedule of a Premier League player, combined with the pressures of performing at the highest level, made it difficult for Grealish to find time for his family. Yet, he remained focused on improving his performances and proving to Guardiola that he deserved more minutes on the pitch.

As the season progressed, Grealish continued to battle for his place in the starting lineup, with his frustrations mounting as he struggled to make a lasting impact on City’s title charge. His performances in the FA Cup and Champions League were crucial in keeping him in the manager’s plans, but it was clear that he longed for more consistent playing time in the league. “I just want to play more,” he confessed, emphasizing his desire to regain the form that had made him one of the most exciting attacking players in the Premier League during his time at Aston Villa.

In spite of the challenges he faced, Grealish’s resilience and determination never wavered. He remained committed to his development as a player, working hard in training and striving to improve every day. His desire to be involved in City’s success was evident, and he continued to support his teammates both on and off the pitch.

Grealish’s journey in 2024 was one of ups and downs, but it was also a reflection of the demands and pressures that come with playing for one of the best clubs in the world. His struggles with playing time and his exclusion from the England squad were tough pills to swallow, but his ability to stay positive and focus on the future showed his strength of character. With a fresh start in 2025, Grealish was determined to make the most of his remaining time at City and to continue contributing to the club’s pursuit of success.